First Fixed Blade Knife, Please help me choose!

For my 2-bits worth, I prefer the 1095 over D2. While the D2 is tough and really holds an edge, when it does get to the point it needs to be sharpened, I find (note: I, not everyone else) that D2 is more difficult to sharpen in the field. I like the easier (to me) field sharpening of 1095.
 
keroscene said:
1095 CroVan is some of the toughest steel around! It beats the mess outta 14c28n.....no doubt.
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For an EDC blade, I'd prefer the Sandvik. Still easy to sharpen, better edge retention, doesn't affect the taste of food. For outdoor use, definitely the carbon steel. But 14C28n is pretty tough, I remember someone chopping down a tree with his fixed Skyline :tup:

The TOPS Tibo gets some good reviews around here too.

For prolonged use I would go one size bigger, the handles are just more comfortable on bigger knives IMHO
Think Becker BK15/16/17 or Esee 3/4/Laser Strike
Tops Pathfinder School or DPX Hest come into mind as well
Especially the Hest is one tough lil mofo :cool:
 
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I'm actually going through the same search. My current list of possilities is:
1. Buck CSAR-T Liaison - 3 in. 420HC blade, no scales, with kydex sheeth - pros for me are i'm in a high humidity area with beaches not that far
2. Izula II - ~2.75 in. 1095 blade, comes with scales and sheeth, supposed to have excellent no questions asked warranty - downside for me is increased risk of corrosion, but the powdercoat is supposed to be good and I can keep the edge oiled
3. Schrade SCHF16 - ~3.1 in. 9CR18MOV blade with G10 scales and kydex sheath - I like the scales of this over the other models with the "scalloped" scales because i don't know about the comfort of those. I am unfamiliar with the steel, but was hoping for increased edge retention with the higher carbon. Con for me is that it is China made (i promise i'm not above purchasing imports, but I like to think that buying American helps our country)
4. Kabar D'Eskabar - 3.25 D2 blade - it's previously been mentioned. Edge lasts a while, but edge angle has to remain relatively obtuse compared to high carbon or even 420HC because of the larger carbides of D2 Buuuut that really shouldn't matter in the long run because it's still going to be sharp
5. CRKT RSK MK6 - 2.95 in. 8CR13MOV blade - pros: i'm familiar with the blade shape and geometry so I'd probably like it, but again I'm torn about buying an import when I have a US made option
6. Lone Wolf Mountainside Drop Point - 3.5 in. N680 blade - great corrosion resistance

right now i'm leaning toward the 420HC Buck Liaison because I kind of like 420HC, it's small with a simple sheeth that allows for some modification. Not too many reviews of this knife, but I'm ok with that.

For you, maybe the Schrade SCHF16 or other SCHF models in 8CR13MOV might be a good bang for your buck. 1095 is great for using and using and easier for touching up. You can always oil it or WD40it in the woods

Good Luck!
 
lee12 said:
I spent a lot of time preparing this forum so I hope to get some good results :). I am looking into getting a tough fixed blade knife for outdoor purposes. Mostly it would be used to cut small twigs, string, sharpen sticks or plastic stakes, maybe field dress a deer, and breast out turkeys. I wanted a fixed blade due to its strength but I need something small and light to carry. I was hoping to find a short blade but a fat one. Something that is stout yet short in case I want to through it in the car. I also might need it for shooting range use, mostly cutting targets and at the most a small sapling. Below are a list of some knives I am really considering and I wanted some input on them. (( not a paid BF Dealer )) Price is also an issue and would like something cheap. I will say at the top of my list right now is the Kershaw Skinner Knife #1080. Anyways here is the list.

1. Kershaw 1080 Fixed Blade Skinning Knife ( 14c28n steel) (2 3/8 inch)

2. Kershaw 1895 Lone Rock Small Fixed Blade (8cr13mov steel) (3 ¾ inch)

3. Kershaw 1082 Fixed Blade Field Knife (14c28n steel) (3 ¼ inch) (MOST EXPENSIVE)

4. Buck 390 Omni Hunter 10pt Fixed Blade Knife (420HC Stainless Steel) (3 3/4 inc

5. Buck 3241 Bucklite Max Small Fixed Blade (No Blade Info) (3 ¼) (looks like a good blade)

6. Schrade SCHF14(16,13,24) Drop-Point Fixed Blade (8cr13mov steel) (3.4 inch) (looks nice)

7. MTECH USA Xtreme MX-8035 Tactical Fixed Blade Knife (440 Stainless Steel, 5mm thick) (7” inch overall length)

Thank you everyone, If anyone one has tips or other knife ideas PLEASE let me know. I have little experience with knives and am sincerely asking for help. Thanks!
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I like the Kershaw 1080OR , 2nd from left. The two on the far right are my hunter's. 2nd from right Swamp Rat Rodent Solution. Far right is an Outdoor Edge SwingBlaze.

IMHO avoid M*Tech.

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I'll hop on the Becker bandwagon. It's a good bandwagon to be on!

If I were you I'd get a BK17 or BK16 depending on your blade preference. Either one would do everything you listed. Excellent, excellent knives.
 
shaving sharp said:
Beckers have a cult like following and for good reason. For the money they are one of the best knife values out there. You will find you get what you pay for especially when it comes to a knife. Spend the extra money and take a serious look at the Beckers. They are knives that will hold a good edge and with minimal care will last a lifetime.
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What he said.
 
LawnDuckOB1 said:
I'm actually going through the same search. My current list of possilities is:
1. Buck CSAR-T Liaison - 3 in. 420HC blade, no scales, with kydex sheeth - pros for me are i'm in a high humidity area with beaches not that far.........right now i'm leaning toward the 420HC Buck Liaison because I kind of like 420HC, it's small with a simple sheeth that allows for some modification. Not too many reviews of this knife, but I'm ok with that.
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I've owned a Liason since they came out. I've raved about it a few times in here. It's an amazing knife for one so lightweight and innocuous. I bought it on a whim and have always been glad I did.

For me, the best thing about it is how it can be made into the slickest compact horizontal carry rig ever. Two zip-ties, one through each kydex eyelet, tweaked to whatever belt thiickness you wear, is all it takes. Practically invisible, as the whole thing is about belt width, it lies tight against the belt and you don't even know it's there; against a black belt it's nearly invisible too. I carry it left side crossdraw and the slight downward handle dip allows for perfect handfall as you reach to draw it. It's one reason I'll never part with this knife.

The Kydex is what I think every sheath of this kind should be: only slightly larger than the knife with no wasted material; and, on mine anyway, the sheath is fitted to the knife as tightly as any I've owned. Very secure hold and smooth, positive draw. IMO, really a dream sheath. Wish I could buy a backup for it.

The handle lends itself to some creative wrapping with leather or paracord and feels very good in hand when done. About as comfortable as a knife of its dimensions can be.

I'm a tanto fan. Always have been. I don't understand the idea that tantos don't make good EDC's. I like the blade shape of the Liason to begin with. Of course, it's a no maintenance blade, fun to sharpen and takes a surprising edge. I slightly reprofiled mine to a more definite point at the edge transition to give me two points. I keep the smaller edge razor sharp but more of a working edge on the longer.

This knife doesn't appeal to everyone I'm sure. I've never had a problem with the knife. It's a small knife...but I can tell you it can be a blast to carry and IMO is without parallel when it comes to a small horizontal carry setup that's discreet, relatively sheeple friendly and you'll forget you're wearing. I think you will be happy with it.
 
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I got carried away on that last post....

OP: Check out an "original DPx HEST fixed blade by Rowen." Just Google that. Should meet your needs and then some. :)

If you can't budget a new one there are used ones out there. Best knockaround fixed blade I ever owned.
 
Kershaw 1082 all day.

Just over 3" won't leave you wanting for more blade like the <3" 1080 might, and their svandik 14c27n steel is razor sharp and holds that edge pretty well, and a working edge after that for even longer... And it's still rather easy to sharpen back up unlike these high vanadium super steels; Buck's 420hc gets razor sharp too, best in the biz for a lower grade steel hands down, but you'll have to sharpen it more frequently without a doubt. IMO the svandik 14 is one of if not the best mid grade steel on the market next to a quality 440c...

The 8cr14mov isn't a bad steel either, Chinese equivalent comparable to the 420hc or a 440a, I own a bunch of low end production knives that use it, but again, while you can get a razor edge on it rather easy, you'll need to touch it up more often...
 
Hello,

I do not know about all of the knives that you had on your list.

I am into fixed blade knives more now and I carry a Buck Ranger Skinner FB Knife.

I watch the blade length since I carry it in a fanny pack the most. I carry this on a daily basis now. I am looking at a few other fixed blade knives too.

Best wishes to you.

Cate
 
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